Chandigarh, Feb 2 (NationPress) Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar characterized the Union Budget as a reflection of the egalitarian principles of Guru Ravidas Maharaj, stating that it serves as a pivotal step and a robust foundation for creating a “developed India”.

In a media briefing here, he criticized AAP and Congress for their lack of economic understanding, suggesting they have missed the essence of the Budget. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously mentioned that cities like Jalandhar, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur, Moga, and Ferozepur would see significant benefits from the Budget, which would enhance their development.

Jakhar challenged Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann regarding when he last approached the Prime Minister about Punjab’s needs, countering Mann’s claims that the state received no benefits from the Budget. He pointed out that during a meeting with the Union Finance Minister, Punjab’s Finance Minister failed to present any substantial budget proposals or development needs, focusing instead on seeking an increase in the state’s borrowing limit.

Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Jakhar asserted that this Budget would propel equality and progress forward. He recalled Modi's visit to Dera Balan where the Prime Minister discussed the positive ramifications the Budget would have for Punjab. However, he criticized CM Mann for not meeting Modi during his visit to Punjab, indicating a breach of established protocols out of fear of Arvind Kejriwal.

Jakhar expressed that it would have been advantageous for the Chief Minister to engage with the Prime Minister and advocate for Punjab's additional needs. Regarding Budget allocations, he noted that Punjab would gain funds for crop diversification and high-value crops only with the submission of appropriate plans by the state government. Furthermore, he highlighted the significant budget allocation by the Government of India for fisheries, animal husbandry, and fertilizer subsidies.

The Centre is providing Rs 1.70 lakh crore for fertilizer subsidies, with Punjab receiving a substantial share due to its high fertilizer consumption. Additionally, a significant portion of the Budget for government procurement of food grains benefits Punjab’s farmers directly.

He also indicated that under the Khelo India initiative, as sports gain emphasis nationwide, the sports equipment sold will predominantly be produced in Jalandhar, which raises the question of whether this will not benefit the state. Jakhar further mentioned that the agreement between the Government of India and the European Union would prove advantageous for Punjab’s MSME, textile, and sports industries.